10 Simple Ways for Stay-at-Home Moms to Change a Bad Day into a Good One
When the idea of “This day is just going horribly” creeps into my consciousness, I consciously try to reassure myself that there’s no such thing as a ‘bad’ day.
Each day has its ups and downs, its trials and triumphs.
And if we’ve been granted the gift of another 24 hours to experience life and grow from it, we should express our gratitude and seek out the silver linings in any situation.
However, shifting from the “bad day” mindset isn’t always easy, nor is finding a way to transform the day’s trajectory and morph it into a “good day.”
So, I’ve created a list of my top 10 strategies for pivoting the direction of the day (I use it as a handy reference for myself, but it can also serve as a helpful tool for any other stay-at-home mom looking to do the same):
Embrace Gratitude:
Start by acknowledging the good things in your life. Think of five things you’re grateful for.
Focusing on what you have rather than what’s missing can significantly boost your happiness levels.
According to a 2019 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies, practicing Gratitude has enduring positive effects on happiness and depression.
Practice Mindfulness:
Take a few moments to stretch and breathe deeply. As per a Journal of Clinical Psychology study, such activities form part of mindfulness, which can lower stress and increase well-being.
Repeat to yourself, “This too shall pass,” and reorient your perspective with renewed hope and love.
Use the Pomodoro Technique:
Need help with chores? Set a timer for 10 minutes and focus on completing time-critical tasks.
This method, known as the Pomodoro Technique, encourages working within the time you have rather than against it, leading to surprising productivity boosts.
Leverage the Power of Music:
Play your favorite upbeat music and let it elevate your mood.
A study in Nature Neuroscience discovered that music can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. Sing, dance, and let music be your therapy.
Schedule Your Worries:
If something specific is bothering you, write it down and plan to consider it later. This “time-based worry scheduling” is a cognitive-behavioral technique that reduces anxiety and increases productivity.
Step Outside:
Go outside, no matter the weather. The benefits of nature on our health are numerous, including reducing stress hormones and lowering blood pressure, according to a 2019 study in Scientific Reports.
Even a few minutes outdoors can work wonders.
Add Variety to Your Day:
Do something different and break your usual routine.
According to a study published in Neuron, engaging in novel activities stimulates dopamine release, leading to increased happiness and motivation.
Serve Others:
Shift your focus from your issues to helping others. Not only does it reorient your priorities, but it can also give you a “helper’s high,” a boost in happiness and health due to acts of kindness, as documented in research by the University of Exeter Medical School.
Trust Your Gut:
While gaining knowledge from parenting books is beneficial, trusting your intuition is crucial. A study from the Journal of Advanced Nursing highlighted how maternal instinct can be pivotal in identifying issues in children.
Practice Self-Compassion:
Remember, no one is perfect. Forgive yourself and everyone around you, and be ready to try again.
According to research in the Clinical Psychology Review, self-compassion can significantly reduce depression, anxiety, and stress while improving life satisfaction.
With these ten strategies, you can turn your “bad” day around and model resilience and positivity for your children.
So, even on challenging days, remember – each day is a new learning opportunity and a chance to practice these life-enhancing habits.
